Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are a genus of around 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs native to the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, northern Australia, and other parts of Oceania. They are cultivated in warmer climates around the world, and are especially popular in the southern United States.

Crepe myrtles are known for their long-lasting, colorful flowers, which bloom in summer. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, lavender, purple, and red. Crepe myrtles also have attractive bark, which exfoliates in the winter to reveal a smooth, mottled surface.

Crepe Myrtle Varieties

There are many different varieties of crepe myrtles available, ranging in size from dwarf shrubs to towering trees. Some popular varieties include:

• Natchez: A medium-sized tree with white flowers and cinnamon-colored bark.

• Muskogee: A dwarf shrub with pink flowers and gray bark.

• Tuscarora: A small tree with purple flowers and gray bark.

• Acoma: A large tree with red flowers and mottled bark.

• Powhatan: A medium-sized tree with lavender flowers and gray bark.

Crepe Myrtle Care

Crepe myrtles are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Crepe myrtles do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Crepe myrtles should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning helps to maintain the shape of the tree and encourages new growth. To prune a crepe myrtle, simply remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Crepe Myrtle Problems

Crepe myrtles are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as:

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.

• Crape myrtle aphid: A small insect that sucks sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

• Crape myrtle bark scale: A small insect that attaches itself to the bark of the tree and sucks sap, causing the bark to split and crack.

If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your crepe myrtle, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Crepe Myrtle Uses

Crepe myrtles are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Crepe myrtles can also be grown in containers.

Magnolias are a genus of flowering plants with large, showy flowers. They are native to Asia and North America, and are popular ornamental plants in many parts of the world.

What do magnolias look like?

Magnolia trees and shrubs have a variety of shapes and sizes, but they are all known for their large, showy flowers. The flowers can be white, pink, purple, green, or yellow, and they may be bowl-shaped or star-shaped. In deciduous species, the blooms often appear before the leaves in spring. Cone-like fruits are often produced in the autumn.

Where do magnolias grow?

Magnolias can be grown in a variety of climates, but they prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are relatively easy to care for, but they should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Magnolias do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

How to use magnolias in your landscape

Magnolias are beautiful and versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Magnolias can also be grown in containers.

There are two species of maple trees that are native to North Florida: the Florida maple (Acer floridanum) and the red maple (Acer rubrum). Both species are deciduous trees, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.

Florida maple

The Florida maple is a medium-sized tree, typically growing 20-30 feet tall. It has a rounded crown and dark green leaves that turn yellow or orange in the fall. The Florida maple is relatively drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types.

Red maple

The red maple is a larger tree than the Florida maple, typically growing 40-60 feet tall. It has a broad, spreading crown and bright red leaves in the fall. The red maple is more tolerant of wet soils than the Florida maple, but it is also more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Both the Florida maple and the red maple are popular ornamental trees in North Florida. They are often planted as shade trees, specimen trees, or in street trees.

Care for maple trees in North Florida

Maple trees are relatively easy to care for in North Florida. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Maple trees do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Maple trees are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as:

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.

• Scale: A small insect that attaches itself to the bark of the tree and sucks sap, causing the bark to split and crack.

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your maple tree, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Uses for maple trees in North Florida

Maple trees are beautiful and versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Maple trees can also be grown in containers.

Queen palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) are tall, graceful palms with glossy, pinnate leaves. They are native to South America, but are now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Queen palms are a popular choice for landscaping because they are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.

Characteristics of queen palms

Queen palms are typically 30-50 feet tall, with a trunk that is 8-15 inches in diameter. The leaves of queen palms are 10-15 feet long and have a bright green color. The flowers of queen palms are cream-colored and are produced in large clusters. The fruit of queen palms is orange and about the size of a cherry.

Care for queen palms

Queen palms prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Queen palms do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Queen palms are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as:

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.

• Scale: A small insect that attaches itself to the bark of the tree and sucks sap, causing the bark to split and crack.

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your queen palm, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Uses for queen palms

Queen palms are beautiful and versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Queen palms can also be grown in containers.

Bismarck palms (Bismarckia nobilis) are a species of palm tree native to the island of Madagascar. They are known for their large, silvery-green leaves and massive trunks. Bismarck palms are a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and are prized for their beauty and durability.

Characteristics of Bismarck palms

Bismarck palms can grow to be 60 feet tall, with a spread of 16 feet. They have a single trunk, which is topped by a crown of fan-shaped leaves. The leaves of Bismarck palms are 4-6 feet long and 2-3 feet wide. They are a silvery-green color and have a corrugated texture.

Bismarck palms are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. The female plants produce small, brown fruits, which are edible but not particularly tasty.

Care for Bismarck palms

Bismarck palms are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Bismarck palms do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Bismarck palms are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as:

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.

• Scale: A small insect that attaches itself to the bark of the tree and sucks sap, causing the bark to split and crack.

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your Bismarck palm, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Uses for Bismarck palms

Bismarck palms are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Bismarck palms can also be grown in containers.

Pygmy date palms (Phoenix roebelenii) are a species of palm tree native to southern China, northern Laos, and northern Vietnam. They are a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and are known for their small size, attractive foliage, and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions.

Characteristics of pygmy date palms

Pygmy date palms typically grow to be 6-12 feet tall, with a spread of 6-10 feet. They have a single trunk, which is topped by a crown of feathery, dark green leaves. The leaves of pygmy date palms are 3-4 feet long and have a slightly curved shape.

Pygmy date palms are dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. The female plants produce small, purple fruits, which are edible but not particularly tasty.

Care for pygmy date palms

Pygmy date palms are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Pygmy date palms do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pygmy date palms are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as:

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.

• Scale: A small insect that attaches itself to the bark of the tree and sucks sap, causing the bark to split and crack.

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your pygmy date palm, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Uses for pygmy date palms

Pygmy date palms are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Pygmy date palms can also be grown in containers.

Here are some ideas for using pygmy date palms in your landscape:

• Plant a pygmy date palm in your front yard as a focal point.

• Plant a row of pygmy date palms along your driveway to create a beautiful entrance to your home.

• Plant a pygmy date palm on either side of your front door to welcome guests.

• Use pygmy date palms to create a privacy screen around your patio or deck.

• Plant a pygmy date palm in a container on your balcony or terrace.

Pygmy date palms are a beautiful and versatile plant that will add color and interest to your landscape. They are also a good choice for small spaces, as they do not grow very tall.

Loropetalum bushes (Loropetalum chinense) are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs that are native to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. They are known for their showy flowers and attractive foliage. Loropetalum bushes can be grown in a variety of climates, but they prefer warm weather and well-drained soil.

Characteristics of loropetalum bushes

Loropetalum bushes typically grow to be 6-15 feet tall and wide. They have a rounded to vase-shaped habit, with arching branches. The leaves of loropetalum bushes are oval-shaped and dark green in color. They have a smooth, glossy texture and turn reddish-purple in the fall.

The flowers of loropetalums are typically pink, purple, white, or red. They are arranged in clusters and bloom in spring and summer. The flowers of loropetalums are often described as looking like "straps" or "fringes."

Care for loropetalum bushes

Loropetalum bushes are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Loropetalum bushes do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Loropetalum bushes are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as:

• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.

• Scale: A small insect that attaches itself to the bark of the tree and sucks sap, causing the bark to split and crack.

• Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow.

If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your loropetalum bush, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Uses for loropetalum bushes

Loropetalum bushes are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Loropetalum bushes can also be grown in containers.

Variegated Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata') is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and ease of care. It is a native of Taiwan and grows to be a bushy shrub or small tree. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a glossy green finish with creamy yellow or white variegation.

Variegated Schefflera is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers bright indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. The plant should be watered regularly, but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Variegated Schefflera does not require a lot of fertilizer, but can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Variegated Schefflera is generally pest- and disease-resistant, but can be susceptible to some problems, such as scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, it is important to treat the plant immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Variegated Schefflera is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the home. It can be grown as a standalone plant in a pot, or grouped with other plants to create a lush display. Variegated Schefflera can also be trained to grow as a bonsai tree.

Here are some tips for caring for Variegated Schefflera:

• Place your plant in a bright spot with indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

• Water your plant regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

• Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

• Mist your plant regularly, especially if the air is dry.

• Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and size.

With proper care, your Variegated Schefflera will thrive for many years to come.

Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is native to Asia. It is known for its sweet-smelling, white flowers and its glossy green leaves. Sweet viburnum is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and is prized for its beauty, fragrance, and ease of care.

Sweet viburnum typically grows to be 15-20 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded to oval-shaped habit, with arching branches. The leaves of sweet viburnum are oval-shaped and dark green in color. They have a smooth, glossy texture and turn reddish-purple in the fall.

The flowers of sweet viburnum are white and are arranged in clusters. They bloom in spring and summer, and have a strong, sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by small, black fruits, which are edible but not particularly tasty.

Sweet viburnum is relatively easy to care for. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Sweet viburnum does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Sweet viburnum is generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some problems, such as powdery mildew, scale, and aphids. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your sweet viburnum, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Sweet viburnum is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It can be planted as an individual specimen, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Sweet viburnum can also be grown in containers.

Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a flowering shrub native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including Florida. Firebush is known for its bright red flowers, which bloom throughout the year.

Firebush is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Firebush does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Firebush is generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some problems, such as scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your firebush, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Firebush is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It can be planted as an individual specimen, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Firebush can also be grown in containers.

Firebush is a valuable food source for hummingbirds, especially during the fall migration season, when hummingbirds are traveling long distances. Firebush also provides a place for hummingbirds to rest and shelter.

Here are some ideas for using firebush in your landscape:

• Plant a firebush shrub in your front yard as a focal point.

• Plant a row of firebush shrubs along your driveway to create a beautiful entrance to your home.

• Plant a firebush shrub on either side of your front door to welcome guests.

• Use firebush shrubs to create a privacy screen around your patio or deck.

• Plant a firebush shrub in a container on your balcony or terrace.

Plumbago, also known as Cape plumbago or leadwort, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Plumbaginaceae. It is native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the world, and is found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Plumbago plants are known for their attractive flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, white, and pink. Plumbago is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and is used in gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes.

Plumbago plants are typically evergreen shrubs or vines. They can grow to be 6-10 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Plumbago plants produce clusters of flowers at the tips of their branches. The flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and have a five-petaled corolla. Plumbago plants bloom throughout the growing season, and can provide a long period of color in the landscape.

Plumbago plants are relatively easy to care for. They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Plumbago plants do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Plumbago plants are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as scale, spider mites, and powdery mildew. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your plumbago plants, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Plumbago is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It can be planted as an individual specimen, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Plumbago can also be grown in containers.

Pentas (Pentas lanceolata) are flowering plants native to Africa and Arabia. They are known for their showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and lavender. Pentas are a popular choice for landscaping and container gardening, as they are relatively easy to care for and bloom throughout the growing season.

Pentas plants are typically 1-3 feet tall and wide. They have a bushy habit and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers at the tips of their branches. Pentas flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and have a long, slender tube. The flowers are pollinated by butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Pentas prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. Pentas do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Pentas are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to some problems, such as powdery mildew, aphids, and whiteflies. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your pentas plants, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Butterflies are attracted to pentas plants because of their bright colors and nectar-rich flowers. Pentas flowers are typically tubular in shape, which makes them easy for butterflies to reach the nectar. The nectar in pentas flowers is a rich source of energy for butterflies, and it helps them to maintain their high metabolism.

Pentas plants are a valuable food source for butterflies, especially during the spring and summer months, when butterflies are breeding and raising their young. Pentas plants also provide a place for butterflies to rest and shelter.

Pentas are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be planted as individual specimens, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Pentas can also be grown in containers.

Lantana (Lantana camara) is a flowering shrub native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is known for its showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple. Lantana is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and is prized for its beauty, ease of care, and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Lantana plants can grow to be 6-10 feet tall and wide. They have a bushy habit and produce clusters of flowers at the tips of their branches. Lantana flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and have a long, slender tube. The flowers are pollinated by butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Lantana prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a relatively drought-tolerant plant, but it will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry weather. Lantana does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Lantana is generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some problems, such as scale, aphids, and whiteflies. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your lantana plants, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Lantana is a popular choice for butterfly gardens because it is a good source of nectar and it blooms throughout the growing season. The flowers are also brightly colored and have a long, tubular shape, which makes them easy for butterflies to reach.

Some of the butterfly species that are commonly attracted to lantana plants include:

• Monarch butterfly

• Painted lady butterfly

• Gulf fritillary butterfly

• Swallowtail butterfly

• Cloudless sulfur butterfly

• Black swallowtail butterfly

If you want to attract butterflies to your yard, plant a lantana plant. You can also plant other butterfly-attracting plants, such as milkweed, zinnia, and butterfly bush.

Here are some tips for planting and caring for lantana to attract butterflies:

• Plant lantana in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

• Water lantana regularly, but not overwater.

• Fertilize lantana once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

• Deadhead lantana flowers regularly to encourage new growth.

• Avoid using pesticides on lantana, as these can harm butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Lantana is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It can be planted as an individual specimen, in groups, or used to create hedges and screens. Lantana can also be grown in containers.

Blue daze (Evolvulus glomeratus) is a flowering plant native to Brazil, Guyana, Bolivia, and Venezuela. It is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and is prized for its beautiful blue flowers, which bloom throughout the growing season. Blue daze is a relatively low-maintenance plant, and is easy to care for.

Blue daze plants can grow to be 9-18 inches tall and 36 inches wide. They have a trailing habit, and can be grown as a groundcover or in hanging baskets. Blue daze plants produce clusters of funnel-shaped flowers at the tips of their branches. The flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and have a five-petaled corolla. Blue daze flowers bloom throughout the growing season, and can provide a long period of color in the landscape.

Blue daze prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a relatively drought-tolerant plant, but it will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry weather. Blue daze does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Blue daze is generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to some problems, such as fungal diseases and aphids. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your blue daze plants, it is important to treat the problem immediately. Most problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Blue daze is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It can be planted as a groundcover, in hanging baskets, or in containers. Blue daze can also be used to create borders and edgings.

Here are some ideas for using blue daze in your landscape:

• Plant blue daze as a groundcover in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

• Plant blue daze in a hanging basket and hang it from a patio or deck.

• Plant blue daze in a container and place it on a patio, deck, or walkway.

• Use blue daze to create a border or edging around a flower bed or garden.

• Plant blue daze in a mixed container with other flowering plants.